Disclaimer (and excuses)
For your information only, I include this text that is the first version of
the EBTEL rules and regulations. This is to give you an idea of what Jon
Ripley is working on at this moment and how I plan to implement what may be
presented to 8BS by Jon.
8BS is moving on EBTEL again. Work came to a halt (or hardly seems to have
got started until recently) due to the main programmer of the software
(J.G.Harston) being too busy to find time to program the guts of the system.
At 'Not The Acorn User Show 2' we found a new person to take up the torch. Jon
Ripley is now working on the system.
I have written the following text mainly as a set of specifications for Jon to
use as a guideline to work from. I have removed the section about security and
accounts for what hopefully are obvious reasons.
EBTEL
8-Bit Software Telephone Messaging System
Introduction
EBTEL is a telephone based messaging system that links in to the 8BS messaging
system but is also a messaging system in its own right.
EBTEL indirectly links in to the internet allowing 8BS members limited access
to the internet.
EBTEL is an organisation within 8-Bit Software. Only members of 8BS will be
able to join EBTEL. In the spirit of 8BS, EBTEL membership is free. Members of
EBTEL will be supplied with a disc containing all the required software for
connection to EBTEL.
Aims
* To allow members of 8-Bit Software to pass messages and software to 8BS for
the regular disc based magazine.
* To allow members of 8-Bit Software to pass messages to one another via the
EBTEL system.
* To allow members of 8-Bit Software limited access to the internet.
* To allow 8-Bit Software members to send and receive Email.
* To allow members of 8-Bit Software to occasionally download specific items
of software that they may require.
The Hardware
Initially EBTEL will initially consist of:
Master 512 with 1 megabyte upgrade
Twin 3.5" 5.25" disc drive
Monitor Hard Disc Drive (30 megabytes)
Modem
Telephone line
These items will be situated at 8BS HQ (17 Lambert Park Road Hedon)
The modem will be connected to 01482 896868. The modem is the only item of
hardware that is needed, 8BS already has the rest of the required equipment.
EBTEL Operating Hours
Initially the system will be switched on when the hardware and telephone line
is free for use by EBTEL. I envisage this as probably being for short periods
on an evening, also, possibly during the daytime. This will depend upon the
level of support as I have to consider the running costs of leaving the
equipment switched on for long periods.
8BS already has two telephone lines (one for private use). The 8BS line is in
constant use for other 8BS related activities. It will therefore always be a
matter of juggling the time for EBTEL with other considerations. If support
becomes strong enough (a situation I do not envisage), then 8BS could
purchase a further line to allow EBTEL to be left switched on permanently.
If this situation arose, further hardware would have to be acquired also. A
full set of equipment (listed above) would be needed. A Master 128 would be
quite sufficient. The only item that would possibly cause a problem to
acquire would be a hard drive as these are few and far between.
Rules of Operation and Membership of EBTEL
Chris Richardson at 8BS HQ is the EBTEL manager.
Only members of EBTEL will be allowed access to the EBTEL system.
Only 8BS members will be allowed to become members of EBTEL.
Membership of EBTEL will be at the discretion of the EBTEL manager.
Once a member of EBTEL the member will receive a disc of software and password
allowing access to the system.
Continued membership of EBTEL is at the discretion of the EBTEL manager.
EBTEL members will receive a FREE disc of software that they will not copy or
pass on to anyone else. The disc is uniquely identifiable by direct inspection
of the catalogue of the disc (*.) and by the EBTEL security system. The disc
contains all of the software required to access and use the EBTEL system. The
disc is NOT Public Domain and remains the property of 8BS. The manager of
EBTEL can request the return of the EBTEL software at any time.
EBTEL Specifications
* Mode 7 throughout.
* Preparation of messages off-line using a text editor similar to the 8BS
messaging system. There are 3 distinct types of message. One being the
8BS message intended for the 8BS magazine, another the EBTEL message for
collection off the EBTEL system by another EBTEL member and the last being
text suitable for Email.
* Preparation of upload of software off-line. Software for inclusion in 8BS
magazines can be uploaded to 8BS via EBTEL. The software submitted in this
manner must follow the guidelines laid down in TBI-00 for submission of
software.
* Preparation of download of software off-line. Certain items of software
may be placed on the EBTEL system for download. Software will be chosen by
the EBTEL Manager and placed into the download directory of EBTEL
dependent upon demand.
* Simple menu driven operation. Menus are the same style as those of 8BS
issues. Simple selection of messages/software for upload and download in
a session, then connection to EBTEL to carry out the selected operation
without further intervention in an attempt to keep on line time down to a
minimum.
* A call back system to allow EBTEL members in credit to be called from
EBTEL if the rate is cheaper (it occasionally is due to free access to
Mercury from the Hull area where EBTEL is presently situated).
* Security to reduce the risk of non members accessing the system.
* The EBTEL members EBTEL disc is uniquely identifiable by direct inspection
of the catalogue of the disc (*.) and by the EBTEL security system. The
disc contains all of the software required to access and use the EBTEL
system.
* EBTEL members can access directly the following EBTEL system directories;
USER#.*** where # is the relevant user directory and ### is the user id
of the EBTEL member. This directory contains messages and files specific
to that particular member only. Both read and write is available the
member is able to see the contents of the directory. No sub directories
are available from this directory. The SOFTWARE.DOWNLOAD directory is also
directly accessible by the member as READ ONLY. The directory is visible
to the member, access to sub directories is allowed. The SOFTWARE.UPLOAD
directories are only available for write and cannot be seen by the
member.
* The EBTEL system, is the property of 8BS. As such, no individual can claim
the right to ownership of the software which is NOT Public Domain.
* Changes may be made to the EBTEL software, updates will be issued free of
charge to members of EBTEL on the understanding that as soon as an update
is received, the disc containing the old version of EBTEL is immediately
mailed back to 8BS. Minor alterations to smaller parts of the EBTEL system
may be available for download on the EBTEL system. A current list of all
programs and current version numbers will be made available on EBTEL.
EBTEL System Directories
EBTEL is situated on a Winchester hard drive. It therefore runs in ADFS. The
directory containing the whole of the EBTEL system is:
:0.$.EBTEL.
Containing the following files:
Email One file containing uploaded messages for Email
!Mesg Concatenated 8BS message submitted for 8BS magazines
From the EBTEL directory are the following sub directories:
Users# Where # is a number between 1 and 20. See further breakdown
System Containing everything required to operate EBTEL. See further
breakdown
Software.Upload# Where # is a number between 1 and 42
Software.Download Containing anything including directories
The Users# directories contain:
EBTEL messages for download by individual members
The System directory contains:
All files necessary for the operation of EBTEL LOGONH
Log on History
All records relating to members of EBTEL. The records will include passwords,
and account details.